Migration Assistant makes it super easy to move data from your old Mac to your new one, either directly or from a Time Machine backup. You can connect two Macs with Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet, or even just using the same Wi-Fi network if you don't have one of these cables. Migrating your old data to your new computer will make it possible for you to start working on your brand new Mac without missing a beat.
If you are new to Mac, you can also migrate your old PC data.
- Jun 24, 2020 You have options for performing the move. By far, the easiest and most often suggested method is to use Apple's Migration Assistant. This method works well, but it has one drawback: Migration Assistant is an all-or-nothing process when it comes to moving data. It copies everything from one Mac to another.
- On your Mac, do any of the following: Drag the window to the edge of the screen. After a moment, the window moves to the next space. From the space that has the window you want to move, enter Mission Control (swipe up with three or four fingers, press the Mission Control key, or press Control-Up Arrow), then drag the window up to the space you want to use.
- Mar 21, 2012 Droppy is a Mac app worth $0.99 in the Mac App store that gives you a simplified way of transferring files between two apps on different desktop spaces. The app adds a wormhole area to the screen, visible across all spaces, where you can dock a file. You can then swipe between desktop spaces and drag the file onto the app you want to add it to.
Thanks for the reply. I don´t intend to move applications to an external drive. My iMac has both the SSD and “traditional” HDD. So, really I will be moving applications from one location on the computer to another.
Before you start
- Update your software - If your old Mac is running OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or earlier, you will need to update your software first.
- Name your old Mac - If you haven't done so already, make sure your old Mac has a name. Open System Preferences > Sharing > and enter a name in the Computer Name field.
- Connect your old and new computers to a power source - Both devices need to be plugged into a power source to ensure that you don't run out of juice in the middle of the migration process.
- Get your Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable ready - Direct connection is the fastest way to migrate your data from your old Mac to your new. If you don't have the required cable, you can use your local Wi-Fi network instead, but the process will be slower.
How to migrate your old Mac's data to your new Mac
Start with your old Mac
- Connect the Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable from your old Mac to your new Mac.
- If you are using local Wi-Fi, make sure both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open your new Mac
- Launch a Finder window by clicking on the Finder icon in your Dock.
- Click on Applications in the sidebar.Source: iMore
- Double-click on the Utilities folder.
- Double-click on Migration Assistant.Source: iMore
- Click Continue.
- Enter your administrator password if prompted.
- Click OK.Source: iMore
- Click From a Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
Go back to your old Mac
- Launch a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in your Dock.
- Click on Applications in the sidebar.Source: iMore
- Double-click on the Utilities folder.
- Double-click on Migration Assistant.Source: iMore
- Click Continue.
- Enter your administrator password if prompted.
- Click OK.Source: iMore
- Click To a new Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
Go back to your new Mac
- Migration Assistant will be looking for a source. Select your old Mac (if you are using a Time Machine backup, select your Time Machine hard drive).
- Click Continue.
- A security code will display on the screen.
Source: iMore
Go back to your old Mac
- Confirm that the code on your old Mac is the same as the one on your new Mac.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
Go back to your new Mac
- Select the files, settings, apps, and other information you want to transfer to your new Mac.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
This will probably take a while, so grab a cup of coffee and watch your favorite movie while the process takes place.
When you're done
Your new Mac should have all of the data that you selected to transfer. If you migrated everything, your new Mac will look almost exactly like your old one.
If you are planning on selling your old Mac, don't forget to clean it before transferring to its new owner.
Questions?
Let us know in the comments below!
Updated May 2020: Up-to-date for macOS Catalina.
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